Schengen Visa Types

Schengen members allow free movement to their citizens and visa holders in the Schengen area. Citizens of the Schengen area do not need a visa to travel in the Schengen zone. The Schengen area consists of 26 Europe Countries expect Ireland, Croatia, Romania, Cyprus, Belgium, and the United Kingdom, these countries are not part of the Schengen area but in a short time, they will become part of the Schengen area else the United Kingdom. This article will highlight the Schengen visa types and all categories further with criteria and limitations.

Schengen Visa Types:

According to the Visa Code (EU Regulation no. 810/2009)

There are three main Schengen visa types, which are based on the purpose of the visit.

Uniform Schengen Visa (USV):

This Schengen visa type (USV) allows its holders to travel or for residence in the Schengen zone for a limited time period, a maximum of 90 days every 6-month period starting from the time of arrival to the Schengen area

According to the purpose of traveling USVs are available in three categories.

Schengen Visa Type – Category A:

Category A based on Airport Transit Visa, which is important for travelers. Traveling from one non-Schengen country to another non-Schengen country has connecting flights within the Schengen state airport.

This Schengen visa category permits its holders to travel through the international zone without entering the Schengen country area.

Schengen Visa Type – Category B:

This category allows its holders to travel within a maximum of 5 days through more than one Schengen country by plane, car, or by other means of transportation on the way to a non-Schengen country.

Schengen Visa Type – Category C:

This is the short-term visa category that permits its holders to travel in the Schengen area for a limited time depending on the legality of the visa.

Schengen visa category C consists of a business visa, family visa, and tourist visa.

Forms of Category C:

Category C has three forms.

Single Entry Schengen Visa:

These visa holders are allowed to enter once in a Schengen country for a limited time period. Once single-entry visa holders exit the Schengen country their visa expires even if this visa is not over yet.

Double Entry Schengen Visa:

These visa holders are permitted to enter twice in a Schengen country for a certain time period. The benefit of this visa is, when a double-entry visa holder once leaves the Schengen country, he can reenter in Schengen country, double entry visa shall expire when the visa holder enters in Schengen area the second time.

Multiple Entry Schengen Visa:

This visa permits its holders to enter the Schengen area multiple times for a maximum time period of 90 days within half of a year.

The Limited Territorial Validity Visa (LTV):

LTV permits its holders only to travel in a certain Schengen country which is stated in the visa application form. This visa holder would not travel to other Schengen states which are not stated in the visa application.

The National Visa (category D):

The national visa is issued to those travelers who want to visit in Schengen area for the purpose of study, permanent residency, and for working.

National visa holders can travel in the Schengen area without extra visa requirements.

Forms of National Visa:

A national visa has two forms.

Single Entry Visa:

This visa permits its holders to stay in a Schengen country for a limited time period after the expiry of the visa, the visa holder must return back to his country.

Multiple Entry Visa:

This visa allows its holders to enter in Schengen area multiple times.

Criteria and Limitations:

• A national visa is issued to the students for one year, there is a possibility of an extension in the national visa.
• For workers national visa is issued for one year, in a working visa, there is also a possibility of extension.
• A national visa is also issued to different field workers like an artist, sportspersons, etc. for a limited time period.

Fee Schedule of Schengen Visa